Rise and fall together:The literature review and prospects of entrepreneurial stress

Han Peng, Li He, Tang Yanzhao

Science Research Management ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (9) : 79-89.

PDF(1284 KB)
PDF(1284 KB)
Science Research Management ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (9) : 79-89. DOI: 10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.09.008  CSTR: 32148.14.kygl.2026.09.008

Rise and fall together:The literature review and prospects of entrepreneurial stress

Author information +
History +

Abstract

Entrepreneurial stress refers to the pressure that entrepreneurs experience and subjectively perceive during the entrepreneurial process. Its influence on entrepreneurial decisions and behaviors has garnered increasing scholarly and practical interest. However,despite growing research attention,the literature lacks a comprehensive theoretical framework and in-depth analysis. To address this gap,this study conducts a systematic literature review following the PRISMA procedure,encompassing 265 relevant studies published between 1983 and 2024. The results show that:First,research on entrepreneurial stress demonstrates a structurally unbalanced distribution across publication years,journal,methodology,and author affiliations; Second,while the construct remains conceptually fluid,it is commonly characterized by subjectivity,persistence,and complexity. It overlaps with,yet differs from,related constructs such as occupational stress and innovation stress,and its measurement tools have been catalogued; Third,the integrative framework identifies its antecedents (e.g.,entrepreneurial,work and environmental characteristics),consequences (e.g.,for the individual and organization) and boundary conditions (e.g.,internal motivation and external support). Finally,based on the identified limitations in the existing literature,this study proposes six prospects for future research,thereby outlining potential pathways for theoretical advancement and offering practical implications.

Key words

entrepreneurs / entrepreneurial stress / conceptual measurement / integration framework

Cite this article

Download Citations
Han Peng , Li He , Tang Yanzhao. Rise and fall together:The literature review and prospects of entrepreneurial stress[J]. Science Research Management. 2026, 47(9): 79-89 https://doi.org/10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.09.008

References

[1]
Stephan U. Entrepreneurs' mental health and well-being:A review and research agenda[J]. Academy of Management Perspectives, 2018, 32(3):290-322.
[2]
Kollmann T, Stöckmann C, Kensbock J M. I can't get no sleep:The differential impact of entrepreneurial stressors on work-home interference and insomnia among experienced versus novice entrepreneurs[J]. Journal of Business Venturing, 2019, 34(4):692-708.
[3]
何伏林, 韦雪艳. 大学生创业压力源、控制感与倦怠关系研究[J]. 技术经济与管理研究, 2010, 17(5):7-11.
He Fulin, Wei Xueyan. Relationship of entrepreneurial stressor,locus of control and burnout on entrepreneurial student[J]. Journal of Technical Economics & Management, 2010, 17(5):7-11.
[4]
王学军, 王春国. 创业压力与退出意愿:创业激情的中介作用与社会支持的调节效应[J]. 经济管理, 2020, 42(3):40-54.
Wang Xuejun, Wang Chunguo. Entrepreneurial stress and exit intention:The mediating effect of entrepreneurial passion and the moderating effect of social support[J]. Business and Management Journal, 2020, 42(3):40-54.
[5]
Neneh B N. Why peer support matters:Entrepreneurial stressors,emotional exhaustion,and growth intentions of women entrepreneurs[J]. Entrepreneurship Research Journal, 2024, 14(3):985-1019.
[6]
李丹, 欧绍华. 创业压力、创业承诺与创业坚持关系研究[J]. 科技创业月刊, 2023, 36(10):47-51.
Li Dan, Ou Shaohua. Entrepreneurial pressure,entrepreneurial commitment and entrepreneurial persistence[J]. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Science & Technology, 2023, 36(10):47-51.
[7]
Nguyen N L, Le M T T. Revisiting opportunity recognition as a creative process of entrepreneurs:The roles of self-enhancement and business type[J]. Current Psychology, 2023, 43(11):9721-9732.
[8]
Wincent J, Örtqvist D. A comprehensive model of entrepreneur role stress antecedents and consequences[J]. Journal of Business and Psychology, 2009, 24(2):225-243.
[9]
Miller D, Wiklund J, Yu W. Mental health in the family business:A conceptual model and a research agenda[J]. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 2020, 44(1):55-80.
[10]
Boyd D P, Gumpert D E. Coping with entrepreneurial stress[J]. Harvard Business Review, 1983, 6(2):44-64.
[11]
Buttner E H. Entrepreneurial stress:Is it hazardous to your health?[J]. Journal of Managerial Issues, 1992, 4(2):223-240.
[12]
Grant S, Ferris K. Identifying sources of occupational stress in entrepreneurs for measurement[J]. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing, 2012, 4(4):351-373.
[13]
龚志周. 电子商务创业压力及其对创业绩效影响研究[D]. 杭州: 浙江大学, 2005.
Gong Zhizhou. An empirical study of the construct of e-commerce venturing stress and its effect on entrepreneurial performance[D]. Hangzhou: Zhejiang University, 2005.
[14]
韦雪艳, 王重鸣. 民营企业家创业压力源的结构及验证性因素分析[J]. 软科学, 2009, 23(3):116-118.
Wei Xueyan, Wang Zhongming. Entrepreneurial stressor's structure and its confirmatory factor analysis[J]. Soft Science, 2009, 23(3):116-118.
[15]
Harris J A, Saltstone R, Fraboni M. An evaluation of the job stress questionnaire with a sample of entrepreneurs[J]. Journal of Business and Psychology, 1999, 13(3):447-455.
[16]
蔡莉, 张玉利, 蔡义茹, 等. 创新驱动创业:新时期创新创业研究的核心学术构念[J]. 南开管理评论, 2021, 24(4):217-226.
Cai Li, Zhang Yuli, Cai Yiru, et al. Innovation-driven entrepreneurship:A core academic construct of innovation and entrepreneurship research in the new era[J]. Nankai Business Review, 2021, 24(4):217-226.
[17]
Liu D, Han S, Zhou C. The influence of physical exercise frequency and intensity on individual entrepreneurial behavior:Evidence from China[J]. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022, 19(19):12383.
[18]
Vasumathi A, Govindarajalu S, Anuratha E K, et al. Stress and coping styles of an entrepreneur,an empirical study[J]. Journal of Management Research, 2003, 3(1):43-51.
[19]
Arshi T A, Islam S, Gunupudi N. Predicting the effect of entrepreneurial stressors and resultant strain on entrepreneurial behaviour:An SEM-based machine-learning approach[J]. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 2021, 27(7):1819-1848.
[20]
Lerman M P, Munyon T P, Williams D W. The (not so) dark side of entrepreneurship:A meta-analysis of the well-being and performance consequences of entrepreneurial stress[J]. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, 2021, 15(3):377-402.
[21]
Wilson F, Kickul J, Marlino D. Gender,entrepreneurial self-efficacy,and entrepreneurial career intentions:Implications for entrepreneurship education[J]. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 2007, 31(3):387-406.
[22]
Chadwick I C, Raver J L. Not for the faint of heart? A gendered perspective on psychological distress in entrepreneurship[J]. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 2019, 24(6):662-674.
[23]
Bluedorn A C, Martin G. The time frames of entrepreneurs[J]. Journal of Business Venturing, 2008, 23(1):1-20.
[24]
Xu F, Kellermanns F W, Jin L, et al. Family support as social exchange in entrepreneurship:Its moderating impact on entrepreneurial stressors-well-being relationships[J]. Journal of Business Research, 2020, 120:59-73.
[25]
Lindsay-Smith G, Pyke J, Gamage A, et al. Tourism operator mental health and its relationship with SME organisational resilience during disasters[J]. Tourism Management Perspectives, 2022, 42:100961.
[26]
Lee T, Liu C H, Gan B, et al. The double-edged sword of narcissism:Influences of university students' grandiose and vulnerable narcissism on entrepreneurial intention[J]. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 2025, 42(1):333-369.
[27]
Fichter K, Tiemann I. Impacts of promoting sustainable entrepreneurship in generic business plan competitions[J]. Journal of Cleaner Production, 2020, 267:122076.
[28]
Ariza-Montes A, Leal-Rodríguez A L, Rodríguez-Félix L, et al. Can an internal locus of control and social support reduce work-related levels of stress and strain?A comparative study between Spanish owners and managers[J]. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2017, 59(9):903-912.
[29]
周冬梅, 陈雪琳, 杨俊, 等. 创业研究回顾与展望[J]. 管理世界, 2020, 36(1):206-225+243.
Zhou Dongmei, Chen Xuelin, Yang Jun, et al. Entrepreneurial research:A review and prospects[J]. Journal of Management World, 2020, 36(1):206-225+243.
[30]
Carree M A, Verheul I. What makes entrepreneurs happy? Determinants of satisfaction among founders[J]. Journal of Happiness Studies, 2012, 13(2):371-387.
[31]
Padilla-Angulo L, Lucia-Casademunt A M, Gómez-Baya D. Satisfaction of basic psychological needs and European entrepreneurs' well-being and health:The association with job satisfaction and entrepreneurial motivation[J]. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 2024, 65(2):291-303.
[32]
Xu F, Jin L. Impact of daily entrepreneurial stressors on long-term transformational leader behaviors and well-being:Differences in experienced and nascent entrepreneurs[J]. Journal of Business Research, 2022, 139:280-291.
[33]
Uy M A, Foo M D, Song Z. Joint effects of prior start-up experience and coping strategies on entrepreneurs' psychological well-being[J]. Journal of Business Venturing, 2013, 28(5):583-597.
[34]
Baron R A, Franklin R J, Hmieleski K M. Why entrepreneurs often experience low,not high,levels of stress:The joint effects of selection and psychological capital[J]. Journal of Management, 2016, 42(3):742-768.
[35]
Ahmed A E, Ucbasaran D, Cacciotti G, et al. Integrating psychological resilience,stress,and coping in entrepreneurship:A critical review and research agenda[J]. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 2022, 46(3):497-538.
[36]
Eden D. Organizational membership vs self-employment:Another blow to the American dream[J]. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 1975, 13(1):79-94.
[37]
Parasuraman S, Purohit Y S, Godshalk V M, et al. Work and family variables,entrepreneurial career success,and psychological well-being[J]. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 1996, 48(3):275-300.
[38]
Hessels J, Rietveld C A, van der Zwan P. Self-employment and work-related stress:The mediating role of job control and job demand[J]. Journal of Business Venturing, 2017, 32(2):178-196.
[39]
Wijewardena N, Samaratunge R, Kumara A S, et al. It takes a family to lighten the load! The impact of family-to-business support on the stress and creativity of women micro-entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka[J]. Personnel Review, 2020, 49(9):1965-1986.
[40]
Choi J, Kessler D. Influences of start-up's financial intermingling on entrepreneurial stress in sustainable family businesses:Mediation effect of work-family balance[J]. Sustainability, 2023, 15(18):13944.
[41]
St-Jean É, Tremblay M. Turbulence and adaptations to the coronavirus crisis:Resources,coping and effects on stress and wellbeing of entrepreneurs[J]. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 2023, 19(3):1153-1175.
[42]
李宁, 李论, 李纪珍, 等. 创业者的压力、情绪与创业努力:基于体验抽样法的实证研究[J]. 技术经济, 2017, 36(6):46-52.
Li Ning, Li Lun, Li Jizhen, et al. Entrepreneur's stress,affect and effort:Empirical study based on experience sampling method[J]. Technology Economics, 2017, 36(6):46-52.
[43]
Liang C L, Dunn P. Entrepreneurial profile,characteristics,expectations,and outcomes:An empirical study to compare rural entrepreneurs with urban entrepreneurs[J]. American Journal of Entrepreneurship, 2014, 7(2):79-100.
[44]
李纪珍, 李论. 压力是动力还是阻力:创业努力和创业者自我效能的影响[J]. 科学学与科学技术管理, 2018, 39(11):101-112.
Li Jizhen, Li Lun. Are stressors motivation or resistance:The impact of entrepreneurial effort and entrepreneurial self-efficacy[J]. Science of Science and Management of S.& T., 2018, 39(11):101-112.
[45]
Sanchez-Ruiz P, Maldonado-Bautista I, Rutherford M. Business stressors,family-business identity,and divorce in family business:A vulnerability-stress-adaptation (VSA) model[J]. Journal of Family Business Strategy, 2018, 9(3):167-179.
[46]
Manwaring M, Weirup A, Balachandra L. Negotiating the pandemic like an entrepreneur:Lessons from the turbulent world of start-up ventures[J]. Negotiation Journal, 2021, 37(2):193-202.
[47]
Theoharakis V, Voliotis S, Pollack J M. Going down the slippery slope of legitimacy lies in early-stage ventures:The role of moral disengagement[J]. Journal of Business Ethics, 2021, 172(4):673-690.
[48]
Drnovšek M, Örtqvist D, Wincent J. The effectiveness of coping strategies used by entrepreneurs and their impact on personal well-being and venture performance[J]. Zbornik Radova Ekonomskog Fakulteta u Rijeci, 2010, 28(2):193-220.
[49]
Bliese P D, Edwards J R, Sonnentag S. Stress and well-being at work:A century of empirical trends reflecting theoretical and societal influences[J]. Journal of Applied Psychology, 2017, 102(3):389-402.
[50]
Ge J, Li J M, Zhao E Y, et al. Rags to riches? Entrepreneurs' social classes,resourceful time allocation,and venture performance[J]. Journal of Business Venturing, 2022, 37(5):106248.
[51]
Lévesque M, Stephan U. It's time we talk about time in entrepreneurship[J]. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 2020, 44(2):163-184.
[52]
Richardson K M, Rothstein H R. Effects of occupational stress management intervention programs:A meta-analysis[J]. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 2008, 13(1):69-93.
[53]
Nikolaev B N, Lerman M P, Boudreaux C J, et al. Self-employment and eudaimonic well-being:The mediating role of problem- and emotion-focused coping[J]. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 2023, 47(6):2121-2154.
[54]
Murnieks C Y, Arthurs J D, Cardon M S, et al. Close your eyes or open your mind:Effects of sleep and mindfulness exercises on entrepreneurs' exhaustion[J]. Journal of Business Venturing, 2020, 35(2):105918.
[55]
Newton T J, Keenan A. Coping with work-related stress[J]. Human Relations, 1985, 38(2):107-126.
PDF(1284 KB)

Accesses

Citation

Detail

Sections
Recommended

/